Michigan Supreme Court a better place, chief justice says

Sep. 12, 2013

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. supplied by state July 2011. / State of Michigan

Written by

Associated Press

Michigan's chief justice says working relationships on the state's highest court are the best in his 15 years.

Robert Young Jr. says "very significant" philosophical differences still exist but justices are willing to listen to each other. He says it's not uncommon for a dissenting opinion to become the majority opinion after justices analyze it.

The Supreme Court has been sharply divided along partisan lines for years, especially in cases involving insurance companies, personal injury and medical malpractice. Republicans now hold a 5-2 majority.

Bridget McCormack, a Democrat, was a University of Michigan law professor when she was elected in 2012. She says her time on the court so far has been an "incredibly collegial experience."